EP2064410A2 - Systems and methods to retard rod string backspin - Google Patents
Systems and methods to retard rod string backspinInfo
- Publication number
- EP2064410A2 EP2064410A2 EP07842062A EP07842062A EP2064410A2 EP 2064410 A2 EP2064410 A2 EP 2064410A2 EP 07842062 A EP07842062 A EP 07842062A EP 07842062 A EP07842062 A EP 07842062A EP 2064410 A2 EP2064410 A2 EP 2064410A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- rotor
- brake
- shaft
- rod string
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 22
- 230000000979 retarding effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 53
- 230000000750 progressive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 41
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000009987 spinning Methods 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000001133 acceleration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006074 Nylatron® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004519 grease Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000003116 impacting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001050 lubricating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003129 oil well Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010008 shearing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001131 transforming effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/12—Methods or apparatus for controlling the flow of the obtained fluid to or in wells
- E21B43/121—Lifting well fluids
- E21B43/126—Adaptations of down-hole pump systems powered by drives outside the borehole, e.g. by a rotary or oscillating drive
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
- E21B19/02—Rod or cable suspensions
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to systems and methods for lifting the rotor of a downhole progressive cavity pump. More particularly, the invention relates to systems and methods for pulling the rotor of a downhole progressive cavity pump while retarding the backspin of the rod string coupled to the rotor.
- Progressive cavity pumps also known as "Moineau" pumps, pump a fluid via a sequence of small, discrete, sealed cavities that progress from one end of the pump to the other.
- Progressive cavity pumps are commonly used in oil and gas development operations.
- progressive cavity pumps may be used to produce a low pressure oil well or to raise water from a borehole.
- a conventional progressive cavity pump 10 includes a helical-shaped rotor 30, typically made of steel that may be chrome-plated or coated for wear and corrosion resistance, disposed within a mating stator 20, typically a heat-treated steel tube 25 lined with a helical-shaped elastomeric insert 21.
- Rotor 30 defines a set of rotor lobes 37 that intermesh and periodically seal with a set of stator lobes 27 defined by insert 21. As best shown in FIG. 2, rotor 30 typically has one fewer lobe 37 than stator 20.
- a series of cavities 40 are formed between the outer surface 33 of rotor 30 and the inner surface 23 of stator 20. Each cavity 40 is sealed from adjacent cavities 40 by seals formed along the contact lines between rotor 30 and stator 20.
- the central axis 38 of rotor 30 is offset from the central axis 28 of stator 20 by a fixed value known as the "eccentricity" of the rotor-stator assembly.
- Stator 20 is traditionally suspended on a string of tubing which hangs inside the well casing, and rotor 30 is typically disposed on the downhole end of a rod string (not shown).
- a drivehead or motor transmits rotational motion to rotor 30 through the rod string.
- the upper end of the rod string coupled to the drivehead may rotate ten to 20 turns before downhole rotor 30 begins to rotate, resulting in significant torsional energy build-up in the rod string.
- fluid contained in cavities 40 between rotor 30 and stator 20 is pumped toward the surface via the sequence of discrete cavities 40 that move through pump 10.
- the volumetric flow rate of fluid pumped by pump 10 is generally proportional to the rotational speed of rotor 30 within stator 20.
- the fluid pumped in this manner experiences relatively low levels of shearing, which may be important for transferring viscous or shear sensitive fluids.
- the rotor of a progressive cavity pump may need to be pulled or lifted from its mating stator (e.g., stator 20) for maintenance, repairs, or to free a rotor that gets stuck or jammed within the stator.
- stator e.g., stator 20
- a rotor pumping a fluid with a high water and sand content may get stuck if the pump does not provide sufficient velocity to carry the sand to the surface.
- the sand may settle out on top of the pump.
- the sand may continue to settle out on top of the pump until it creates a sufficient flow restriction to overcome the power of the surface drivehead.
- a rotor may become stuck in the stator because of an incompatible fluid.
- stator e.g., elastomeric stator
- the column of fluid i.e., fluid head
- the fluid flows past the rotor it tends to cause the helical-shaped rotor to function like a progressive cavity motor and rotate backwards.
- the backspin of the rod string experienced when the rotor is pulled may exceed 1000 RPM.
- the acceleration and rotational velocity of a back- spinning rod string presents a variety of potential safety hazards at the surface.
- the upper end of the rod string also referred to as a "polish rod” may bend over while back-spinning, potentially impacting nearby persons or objects.
- a bent polish rod may send debris flying across the worksite. Further, extreme vibrations generated by the violent back-spinning may cause weaken or damage the support structure surrounding the rod string at the surface. Moreover, in some cases, contact between metal parts with high relative rotational velocities may result in sparks that could ignite combustible gases and hydrocarbon liquids at the surface.
- a system comprises a progressive cavity pump including a helical rotor disposed within a mating stator.
- the system comprises a rod string having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end coupled to the rotor.
- the system comprises a rotation retarding device coupled to the first end of the rod string, wherein the rotation retarding device retards the rotation of the rod string relative to the stator.
- the system comprises a lifting device coupled to the rotation retarding device, wherein the lifting device is operable to apply an axial lifting force to the rotor.
- a method comprises providing a progressive cavity pump comprising a helical rotor disposed within a mating stator, wherein the rotor is coupled to a first end of a rod string having a longitudinal axis.
- the method comprises applying an axial lifting force to the rod string.
- the method comprises lifting the rotor from the stator.
- the method comprises retarding the rotation of the rod string and the rotor relative to the stator.
- a system comprises a housing having an upper end, a lower end, and a brake cavity.
- the system comprises a shaft having a longitudinal axis at least partially disposed in the brake cavity, wherein the shaft is rotatably coupled to the housing and is operable to rotate about its axis relative to the housing.
- the system comprises a brake disposed in the brake cavity, wherein the brake retards the rotation of the shaft relative to the housing.
- the system comprises a rod string having a first end coupled to the shaft and a second end.
- the system comprises a progressive cavity pump including a helical rotor disposed within a mating stator, the rotor coupled to the second end of the rod string.
- the system comprises a lifting device coupled to the housing, wherein the lifting device is operable to apply an axial lifting force to the housing.
- Figure 1 is a perspective, partial cut-away view of a conventional progressive cavity pump
- Figure 2 is an end of the progressive cavity pump of Figure 1
- Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotation retarding device
- Figure 4 is a front view of the rotation retarding device of Figure 3
- Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation retarding device of Figure 3;
- Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a progressive cavity pump system
- Figures 7 and 8 are selected partial cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a system for pulling the rotor of Figure 6 while retarding the backspin of the rod string of Figure 6;
- Figure 9 is an enlarged front view of the lifting device and handle of Figures 7 and 8;
- Figure 10 is a graphical illustration of an embodiment of a method employing the system of Figures 7 and 8.
- the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to... .”
- the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection, or through an indirect connection via other devices and connections.
- x- and y- axes are shown in Figures 1 and 2, and consistently maintained throughout. The x-axis generally defines radial positions and radial movement (i.e., perpendicular to a central axis).
- the y-axis generally defines axial positions and axial movement (i.e., along or parallel to a central axis). It is to be understood that the x- axis and y-axis are orthogonal.
- Flush-by-brake 100 includes a housing 120, a shaft 130, and a rotation retarder or brake 150. As will be explained in more detail below, flush-by-brake 100 is configured to simultaneously lift the rotor of a downhole progressive cavity pump and retard the backspin of the rod string coupled to the rotor.
- housing 120 comprises a top 120a, a cylindrical main body 120b, and a lower cap 120c.
- Top 120a is coupled to the upper end of body 120b by connection members 128, and includes a knob or handle 140 that extends axially from the upper end of top 120a generally opposite body 120b.
- Top 120a is releasably fixed to body 120b by connection members 128 such that top 120a does not move rotationally or translationally (radially or axially) relative to body 120b, but may be removed from body 120b as desired.
- handle 140 is a distinct component that is fixed to top 120a via mating threads. Thus, handle 140 does not move rotationally or translationally (radially or axially) relative to housing 120.
- handle 140 is shown in Figure 5 as being fixed to housing 120 by mating threads, other suitable means may be employed to fix handle 140 to housing 120. Examples of other suitable means include, without limitation, bolts, welding, or combinations thereof. Further, in some embodiments, handle 140 may be integral with housing 120.
- handle 140 has an "I-shaped" cross- section including a reduced diameter grip portion 140a defining annular shoulders 141 disposed at either end of grip portion 140a.
- this configuration allows an external device such as a rod elevator or hook to grasp grip portion 140a and apply axial and/or radial loads to housing 120.
- cap 120c is coupled to the lower end of body 120b by connection members 129, and includes a central through bore 122 through which shaft 130 passes.
- Cap 120c is releasably fixed to body 120b by connection members 129, such that cap 120c do not move rotationally or translationally (radially or axially) relative to body 120b, but may be removed from body 120b as desired.
- connection members 128, 129 are shown as bolts in this embodiment, in general, top 120a and lower cap 120c may be coupled to body 120b by any suitable means.
- Housing 120 also includes an upper bearing cavity
- Shaft 130 has a longitudinal axis 115 and is partially disposed within housing 120.
- shaft 130 has an upper end 130a disposed within bearing cavity 127, a lower end 130b distal housing 120, and extends through brake cavity 121 and bore 122 between ends 130a, b.
- shaft 130 is coaxial with housing 120.
- Shaft 130 is coupled to housing 120 with a pair of upper bearing assemblies 125a, b and a lower bearing assembly 125c.
- Upper bearing assembly 125a is disposed within bearing cavity 127 between shaft 130 and housing 120
- the other upper bearing assembly 125b is disposed within bearing cavity 127 between upper end 130b and top 120a
- lower bearing assembly 125c is disposed within brake cavity 121 between shaft 130 and cap 120c.
- Bearing assemblies 125a, b, c support shaft 130 by maintaining the axial and radial position of shaft 130 relative to housing 120. In other words, bearing assemblies 125a, b, c restrict the axial and radial movement of shaft 130 relative to housing 120.
- bearing assemblies 125a, b, c permit shaft 130 to rotate about its axis 115, in either direction, relative to housing 120.
- upper bearing assembly 125a comprises a tapered roller thrust bearing
- upper bearing assembly 125b comprises a nylatron thrust bearing
- lower bearing assembly 125c comprises a radial cylindrical roller bearing.
- 125C any suitable type of bearings may be empoloyed to provide axial and radial support of shaft 130 while permitting rotation of shaft 130 about its axis 115.
- suitable bearings include without limitation journal bearings, thrust bearings, roller bearings, fluid bearings, magnetic bearings, or combinations thereof.
- Bearing assemblies 125a, b, c are preferably lubricated to allow relatively smooth, free rotation of shaft 130.
- bearing cavity 127 is filled with a lubricant (e.g., grease), thereby lubricating upper bearing assemblies 125a, b.
- Bearing cavity 127 is sealed from brake cavity 121 by a seal assembly 123 to restrict the loss of lubricant from bearing cavity 127.
- seal assembly 123 comprises a lip seal, however, in general, bearing cavity 127 and upper bearing assemblies 125a, b may be sealed from brake cavity 121 by any suitable means such as an o-ring seal.
- seal assembly 123 preferably restricts lubricant in bearing cavity 127 from entering brake cavity 121, but permits fluid in brake cavity 121 to enter bearing cavity 127 in the event of an excessive pressure build-up in brake cavity 121.
- bearing cavity 127 is vented to the atmosphere via relief valve (not shown) to relieve an excessive pressure build-up in bearing cavity 127.
- brake 150 is disposed within brake cavity 121 and is configured to retard the rotation of shaft 130 relative to housing 120.
- brake 150 is a hydrodynamic brake including an annular stator 152 and an annular rotor 154.
- Stator 152 is disposed about shaft 130 and is fixed to body 120b, and rotor 154 is disposed about shaft 130 and fixed to shaft 130.
- stator 152 does not move rotationally or translationally (radially or axially) relative to housing 120
- rotor 154 does not move rotationally or translationally (radially or axially) relative to shaft 130.
- shaft 130 rotates relative to housing 120
- rotor 154 rotates therewith relative to stator 152.
- Stator 152 and rotor 154 each include a plurality of vanes 156, each vane 156 being positioned at substantially the same radial distance from shaft 130. Stator 152 and rotor 154 are positioned axially adjacent one another such that vanes 156 of stator 152 are positioned opposite vanes 156 of rotor 154.
- the spaces and voids surrounding brake 150 are filled with a retarding fluid suitable for hydrodynamic braking applications (e.g., automatic transmission fluid).
- a retarding fluid reservoir 157 is formed in the upper portion of brake cavity 121.
- the retarding fluid is circulated between brake 150 and retarding fluid reservoir 157 via a plurality of ports and passages (not shown) extending between reservoir 157 and brake 150.
- the retarding fluid surrounding brake 150 in the lower portion of brake cavity 121 also surrounds and lubricates lower bearing assembly 125c. In this sense, lower bearing assembly 125c may also be referred to herein as "bath lubricated”.
- Brake 150 retards the rotation of shaft 130 relative to housing 120 by transforming the kinetic energy of shaft 130 into thermal energy absorbed by the retarding fluid.
- brake 150 is configured to retard the rotation of shaft 130 relative to housing 120.
- the rotation of rotor vanes 156 relative to stator vanes 156 through the retarding fluid generates fluid friction and associated forces that oppose the relative rotation of rotor 154, and hence oppose the rotation of shaft 130 (i.e., the forces generated by the fluid friction are transferred from rotor 154 to shaft 130).
- the fluid friction also generates thermal energy (i.e., heat) that is absorbed by the retarding fluid.
- the thermal energy absorbed by the retarding fluid is carried away as the retarding fluid is re-circulated between brake 150 and fluid reservoir 157.
- the increase in temperature of the retarding fluid will result in thermal expansion of the retarding fluid and associated pressure build-up within brake cavity 121.
- the retarding fluid may overcome lip seal 123 and pass from brake cavity 121 into bearing cavity 127, thereby at least partially relieving pressure within brake cavity 121.
- bearing cavity 127 may be vented to the atmosphere via a relief valve (not shown) to relieve any excessive pressure within bearing cavity 127.
- brake 150 provides a means to retard the rotational motion of shaft 130 relative to housing 120.
- the braking or retarding forces imposed on shaft 130 via rotor 154 are generally proportional to the rotational speed of rotor 154 relative to stator 152.
- the retarding forces provided by brake 150 may be adjusted by modifying the geometry of housing 120 and/or brake 150 (e.g., adjusting the number, size, and orientation of vanes 156), by selecting a different retarding fluid having different properties (e.g., different viscosity), or combinations thereof.
- the maximum retarding force generated by brake 150 is preferably in excess of about 2000 Mbs.
- brake 150 has been described as a hydrodynamic brake, it is to be understood that brake 150 may be any suitable brake or device capable of retarding the rotation of shaft 130 relative to housing 120.
- suitable brakes include, without limitation, friction brakes, drum-type brakes, disc-type brakes, and the like.
- a cylindrical sleeve or connector 160 releasably couples shaft 130 to an upper or surface end 170a of a rod string 170.
- Rod string 170 is coupled to shaft 130 such that the longitudinal axis of rod string 170 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 115 of shaft 130.
- the lower end of rod string 170 (not shown in Figures 3-5) is coupled to the rotor of a downhole progressive cavity pump.
- connector 160 fixes lower end 130b of shaft 130 end-to-end with the upper end 170a of rod string 170, such that shaft 130 does not move rotationally or translationally (radially or axially) relative to rod string 170.
- connector 160 is coupled to shaft 130 and rod string 170 via mating threads.
- a clamp, pin, or other mechanical device may be employed in conjunction with connector 160 to restrict disengagement of such mating threads.
- housing 120 may have a tendency to rotate along with shaft 130. Specifically, the retarding forces acting on stator 120 and frictional forces arising at bearings 125a, b, may induce the rotation of housing 120 to rotate in the same direction as shaft 130. Rotation of housing 120 along with shaft 130 reduces the rotational speed of rotor 154 relative to stator 152, thereby reducing the retarding forces acting on shaft 130.
- housing 120 and stator 152 are preferably restricted from rotating along with shaft 130 and rotor 154. Therefore, as will be explained in more detail below, in some embodiment, an anchor may be coupled to housing 120 and attached to a fixed object proximal flush-by-brake 100 to restrict the rotation of housing 120.
- Pump system 200 comprises a surface drivehead 295, rod string 170 previously described, and a downhole progressive cavity pump 210 including a helical rotor 212 disposed within a mating stator 211.
- Drivehead 295 drives the rotation of rod string 170 which in turn rotates rotor 212 and powers pump 210.
- Progressive cavity pump 210 is disposed in a string of production tubing 230 that extends into a well through a casing 220. Stator 211 that is secured downhole to tubing 230.
- progressive cavity pump 210 may be any conventional progressive cavity pump known in the art.
- Upper end 170a of rod string 170 also referred to as a "polish rod” extends to the surface 290, while lower or downhole end 170b is coupled to rotor 212.
- Drivehead 295 is mechanically coupled (e.g., by mating gears) to rod string 170 proximal upper end 170a and applies rotational forces to rod string 170 to rotate rotor 212.
- rotor 212 is positioned within stator 211 and is rotated relative to stator 211 by rod string 170 to pump fluid through tubing 230 to the surface 290.
- rotor 212 may need to be pulled from stator 211.
- rotor 212 may become stuck within stator 211.
- the backspin of rod string 170 and rotor 212 may exhibit rapid acceleration and high rotational velocities, presenting potential safety hazards to individuals and equipment near upper end 170a of rod string 170.
- embodiments of flush-by-brake 100 previously described with reference to Figures 3-5 may be employed pull rotor 212 while retarding the backspin of rod string 170, thereby offering the potential to improve operational safety.
- System 300 comprises flush-by-brake 100, connector 160, rod string 170, and rotor 212 of progressive cavity pump 210, each as previously described.
- Upper end 170a of rod string 170 is releasably coupled to lower end 130b via connector 160 as previously described.
- System 300 further comprises a lifting device 240 releasably coupled to handle 140.
- Lifting device 240 is secured to grip portion 140a such that axial lifting forces represented by arrow 280 are transferred to housing 120.
- lifting device 240 comprises a rod elevator that includes a hanger 241 coupled to a base 242 including an open ended slot 243.
- Grip portion 140a of handle 140 is slidingly disposed within slot 243.
- the width of slot 243 is sufficient to permit reduced diameter portion 141 to slide therein, but smaller than the width of upper annular shoulder 141.
- upper annular shoulder 141 engages and is supported by the upper surface of base 242 immediately adjacent slot 243.
- lifting device 240 is configured to exert an axial lifting force in the direction of arrow 280 against the upper annular shoulder 141.
- Lifting forces generally in the direction of arrow 280 may be applied by any suitable means including, without limitation, a crane, a pulley- system, a flush-by-truck, a jack, or combinations thereof.
- the lifting forces are transferred through lifting device 240, handle 140, housing 120, shaft 130, connector 160 and rod string 170 to rotor 212.
- rotor 212 is completely pulled from stator 211 as best shown in Figure 8.
- the lifting force applied is preferably sufficient to lift rotor 212 from stator 211, and further, lifting device 240 and flush-by-brake 100 are preferably configured and constructed with sufficient strength to withstand the applied lifting forces. It should be appreciated that depending on the application, the lifting forces necessary to lift rotor 212 may vary.
- Anchor 250 includes a first end 250a releasably coupled to housing 120 and a second end 250b coupled to a rigid non-moveable object 255 proximal flush-by-brake 100.
- the second end 250b of anchor 250 may be connected to an adjacent rig, flush-by truck, or a crane.
- Anchor 250 preferably has sufficient strength to withstanding tensile forces exerted by housing 120 as it attempts to rotate with shaft 130.
- anchor 250 may comprise a cable (e.g., a winch cable), a chain, a rope, or the like.
- anchor 250 having its second end 250b secured to object 250 and being able to withstand tensile forces restricts housing 120 and stator 152 from rotating with shaft 130 and rotor 154. It should be appreciated that as housing 120 is axially lifted, the location of first end 250a will move axially relative to the location of second end 250b.
- the length of anchor 250 is preferably sufficient such housing 120 may be lifted sufficiently to completely pull rotor 212 from stator 211. For instance, prior to lifting housing 120, anchor 250 may include some slack sufficient to account for the distance that housing 120 is lifted relative to object 255.
- drivehead 295 is coupled to upper end 270a of rod string 270 and rotor 212 is coupled to lower end 270b of rod string 270.
- the rotation of upper end 270a by drivehead 295 is translated along the length of rod string 270 to rotor 212.
- rotor 212 may become stuck or jammed relative to stator 211, potentially stalling drivehead 295.
- rotor 212 gets stuck or jammed, it may be freed by lifting it from stator 212.
- drivehead 295 is preferably shut down (if it has not already stalled out).
- flush-by-brake 100 is also coupled to lifting device 240 and positioned adjacent upper end 270a of rod string 270 according to block 402. More specifically, lifting device 240 is coupled to handle 140 as previously described. With lifting device 240 secured to grip portion 140a, axial and radial forces may be applied to housing 120 to move it into position.
- housing 120 is anchored to fixed, rigid object 255 with anchor 250.
- flush-by-brake 100 is coupled to rod string 270 according to block 404.
- upper end 170a of rod string 170 is coupled to lower end 130b of shaft 130 via connector 160 as previously described.
- the longitudinal axes of rod string 270 and shaft 130 are substantially aligned.
- Rod string 170 is preferably lifted without damaging drivehead 295 and without damaging any of the mechanical couplings (e.g., mating gears) between drivehead 295 and rod string 170.
- drivehead 295 and rod string 170 may or may not need to be decoupled or disengaged before lifting rod string 170.
- the rod string e.g., rod string 170
- the drivehead e.g., drivehead 295
- the rod string may be lifted without disengaging the drivehead and rod string.
- the coupling between the rod string (e.g., rod string 170) and the drivehead (e.g., drivehead 295) may be such that the coupling between the drivehead and rod string must be disengaged in order to prevent damage to the drivehead when the rod string is lifted.
- the rod string is preferably lifted only after is has been sufficiently de-coupled from the drivehead.
- the entire drivehead may be completely removed and separated from the rod string before the rod string is pulled in the manner described.
- drivehead 295 is decoupled or disengaged from rod string 270 prior to lifting rotor 212 according to block 405.
- axial lifting forces represented by arrows 280 ( Figure 7) are applied to lifting device 240, and are transferred to rotor 212 via rod flush-by-brake 100 and rod string 270.
- rotor 212 With sufficient lifting forces, rotor 212 will be pulled upward relative to stator 211.
- rotor 212 and rod string 170 will have a tendency to backspin.
- the rotation or backspin of rotor 212 and rod string 170 is transferred to shaft 130 via connector 160.
- Bearings 125a, b permit shaft 130 to rotate along with rod string 170 relative to housing 120, however, as shaft 130 rotates relative to housing 120, brake 150 provides retarding forces that generally oppose the rotation of shaft 130.
- system 300 is configured to simultaneously provide axial lifting forces and retard backspin of rod string 270 as shown in block 407.
- the axial lifting forces applied to rod string 270 are preferably sufficient to completely lift and free rotor 212 relative to stator 211 according to block 408.
- a flushing fluid e.g., water
- any debris e.g., sand
- lifting forces applied to lifting device 240 may be reduced, thereby allowing rotor 212 to be reinserted into stator 211.
- drivehead 295 may be coupled to rod string 270, followed by decoupling and removal of flush-by-brake 100 from upper end 270a of rod string 270 according to blocks 411, 412, respectively.
- drivehead 295 may be started up and pumping operations with progressive cavity pump 210 may be recommenced.
- embodiments described herein offer to retard the backspin of a rod string coupled to a downhole rotor when the rotor is pulled from its mating stator. By retarding rod string backspin, the safety of such operations may be enhanced.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US84326806P | 2006-09-08 | 2006-09-08 | |
PCT/US2007/077894 WO2008031040A2 (en) | 2006-09-08 | 2007-09-07 | Systems and methods to retard rod string backspin |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2064410A2 true EP2064410A2 (en) | 2009-06-03 |
EP2064410A4 EP2064410A4 (en) | 2015-03-18 |
Family
ID=39158100
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP07842062.7A Withdrawn EP2064410A4 (en) | 2006-09-08 | 2007-09-07 | Systems and methods to retard rod string backspin |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US8132618B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2064410A4 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2007294559B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2662055C (en) |
MX (1) | MX2009002541A (en) |
NO (1) | NO20090936L (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008031040A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090126924A1 (en) * | 2007-11-08 | 2009-05-21 | Naralta Technologies Inc. | Flush-by system |
AR085241A1 (en) * | 2012-02-15 | 2013-09-18 | Ener Tools Sa | BRAKING PROVISION FOR PUMPING HEADS |
US20130306303A1 (en) * | 2012-05-17 | 2013-11-21 | Fresadora Sant'ana Ltda. | Integrated driving head for progressive cavity pumps used in oil extraction |
CA2788310A1 (en) | 2012-08-29 | 2014-02-28 | Titus Tools Inc. | Device for reducing rod string backspin in progressive cavity pump |
US9309753B2 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2016-04-12 | Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc | High-speed rod-driven downhole pump |
DE102013110849B3 (en) * | 2013-10-01 | 2014-12-11 | Netzsch Pumpen & Systeme Gmbh | Submersible pump unit for use in a borehole |
CA2967606C (en) | 2017-05-18 | 2023-05-09 | Peter Neufeld | Seal housing and related apparatuses and methods of use |
CN111927767B (en) * | 2020-07-29 | 2022-02-15 | 东北石油大学 | Ground driving device for hydraulic lifting rod column screw pump for intermittent oil production |
Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2518701A (en) * | 1945-09-10 | 1950-08-15 | Us Electrical Motors Inc | Stop device for preventing reverse drive |
US4797075A (en) * | 1987-04-09 | 1989-01-10 | Hughes Tool Company | Overspeed protective gear box for a well pump |
US5143153A (en) * | 1991-07-31 | 1992-09-01 | Bach Ronald L | Rotary oil well pump and sucker rod lift |
US5358036A (en) * | 1992-07-16 | 1994-10-25 | Mills Robert A R | Safety disc brake assembly |
US5370179A (en) * | 1993-07-13 | 1994-12-06 | Mills; Robert A. R. | Drive head for rotary down hole pump |
DE19616578C1 (en) * | 1996-04-25 | 1997-07-24 | Netzsch Mohnopumpen Gmbh | Drive head for rotary driven rod linkage for borehole pump |
US6039115A (en) * | 1998-03-28 | 2000-03-21 | Kudu Indutries, Inc. | Safety coupling for rotary pump |
CA2270017A1 (en) * | 1999-04-26 | 2000-10-26 | Lynn P. Tessier | Rotary pump top drive |
WO2003083252A1 (en) * | 2002-03-26 | 2003-10-09 | Felthager Michael J Sr | Portable pump rod puller |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1909601A (en) * | 1927-03-29 | 1933-05-16 | Nat Supply Co | Mechanically operated slip type elevator |
US1891832A (en) * | 1930-06-23 | 1932-12-20 | Robert F Parks | Elevating and rotating device |
US5038871A (en) * | 1990-06-13 | 1991-08-13 | National-Oilwell | Apparatus for supporting a direct drive drilling unit in a position offset from the centerline of a well |
US5749416A (en) * | 1995-04-10 | 1998-05-12 | Mono Pumps Limited | Downhole pump drive head assembly |
GB2299849A (en) * | 1995-04-10 | 1996-10-16 | Mono Pumps Ltd | Downhole pump drive head assembly with hydrodynamic retarder |
RO117558B1 (en) * | 1995-09-14 | 2002-04-30 | Edward Grenke | Suction rod braking mechanism |
US6079489A (en) * | 1998-05-12 | 2000-06-27 | Weatherford Holding U.S., Inc. | Centrifugal backspin retarder and drivehead for use therewith |
CA2248484A1 (en) * | 1998-09-25 | 2000-03-25 | Lloyd L. Walker | Back spin swivelling device for a progressive cavity pump |
BRPI0605759A (en) * | 2006-12-15 | 2008-08-12 | Weatherford Ind E Com Ltda | auxiliary brake for drive heads for progressive cavity pumps |
-
2007
- 2007-09-07 US US11/851,637 patent/US8132618B2/en active Active
- 2007-09-07 AU AU2007294559A patent/AU2007294559B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2007-09-07 CA CA2662055A patent/CA2662055C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2007-09-07 EP EP07842062.7A patent/EP2064410A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2007-09-07 WO PCT/US2007/077894 patent/WO2008031040A2/en active Application Filing
- 2007-09-07 MX MX2009002541A patent/MX2009002541A/en unknown
-
2009
- 2009-03-03 NO NO20090936A patent/NO20090936L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2518701A (en) * | 1945-09-10 | 1950-08-15 | Us Electrical Motors Inc | Stop device for preventing reverse drive |
US4797075A (en) * | 1987-04-09 | 1989-01-10 | Hughes Tool Company | Overspeed protective gear box for a well pump |
US5143153A (en) * | 1991-07-31 | 1992-09-01 | Bach Ronald L | Rotary oil well pump and sucker rod lift |
US5358036A (en) * | 1992-07-16 | 1994-10-25 | Mills Robert A R | Safety disc brake assembly |
US5370179A (en) * | 1993-07-13 | 1994-12-06 | Mills; Robert A. R. | Drive head for rotary down hole pump |
DE19616578C1 (en) * | 1996-04-25 | 1997-07-24 | Netzsch Mohnopumpen Gmbh | Drive head for rotary driven rod linkage for borehole pump |
US6039115A (en) * | 1998-03-28 | 2000-03-21 | Kudu Indutries, Inc. | Safety coupling for rotary pump |
CA2270017A1 (en) * | 1999-04-26 | 2000-10-26 | Lynn P. Tessier | Rotary pump top drive |
WO2003083252A1 (en) * | 2002-03-26 | 2003-10-09 | Felthager Michael J Sr | Portable pump rod puller |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See also references of WO2008031040A2 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
NO20090936L (en) | 2009-03-27 |
WO2008031040A2 (en) | 2008-03-13 |
US8132618B2 (en) | 2012-03-13 |
AU2007294559A1 (en) | 2008-03-13 |
MX2009002541A (en) | 2009-03-25 |
US20080060819A1 (en) | 2008-03-13 |
CA2662055A1 (en) | 2008-03-13 |
EP2064410A4 (en) | 2015-03-18 |
CA2662055C (en) | 2013-03-12 |
WO2008031040A3 (en) | 2008-08-14 |
AU2007294559B2 (en) | 2012-07-05 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2662055C (en) | Systems and methods to retard rod string backspin | |
AU2012201318B2 (en) | Downhole backspin retarder for progressive cavity pump | |
EP2446103B1 (en) | Sealing system and bi-directional thrust bearing arrangement for a downhole motor | |
US7703551B2 (en) | Fluid driven drilling motor and system | |
EP3710665B1 (en) | Vibration assembly and method | |
US20110005839A1 (en) | Retention Means for a Seal Boot Used in a Universal Joint in a Downhole Motor Driveshaft Assembly | |
US7874368B2 (en) | Insertable progressive cavity pump systems and methods of pumping a fluid with same | |
US9334908B2 (en) | Centrifugal backspin brake | |
AU2014408694B2 (en) | Abrasion-resistant thrust ring for use with a downhole electrical submersible pump | |
CN113767208B (en) | Wear resistant vibration assembly and method | |
CA3180066A1 (en) | Coupling mechanism for driveshaft transmission assembly | |
AU2014201348B2 (en) | High-speed rod-driven downhole pump | |
RU2467145C2 (en) | Borehole hydraulic motor angularity regulator | |
CA2281727A1 (en) | Single string rotary pump system | |
RU2730189C2 (en) | Support unit for column with electric submersible pump with moving cavities | |
RU83810U1 (en) | Borehole screw pump with wellhead drive | |
CN115711108A (en) | Artificial lifting system | |
RU26824U1 (en) | DRIVE SCREW PUMP UNIT DRIVE | |
CA2549739A1 (en) | Fluid driven drilling motor and system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20090407 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL BA HR MK RS |
|
RIN1 | Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected) |
Inventor name: BLAQUIERE, DENIS |
|
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
A4 | Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched |
Effective date: 20150216 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: E21B 23/03 20060101AFI20150210BHEP Ipc: E21B 43/00 20060101ALI20150210BHEP |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20160113 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20161117 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 20170328 |